Franklin Co Charter System Receives ParaPro Certification Grant

The Franklin County Charter School System is 75 rural Georgia School Districts to receive part more than $2.4 million from the Georgia Department of Education to enhance the paraprofessional-to-teacher pipeline.

Franklin County will receive $28,500 to help their para pros achieve their teaching certificate.

At its September meeting, the State Board of Education approved State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ recommendation to award grants.

The grants will help reduce the financial burden for more than 500 rural Georgia paraprofessionals enrolled in a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)-approved educator preparation program in specific high-need areas.

Eligible paraprofessionals will receive up to $6,000 in grant funds to help with the associated costs of pursuing a degree in education, including tuition, fees, and exam costs.

At the Board of Education work session earlier this month, School Superintendent Melanie Burton Brown announced the availability of new grant money.

The eligible semesters for the grant range from Spring 2023, Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 according to Burton Brown.

Burton Brown said six para pros studying for their teaching certificate received grant money to help with their education.

The Grant period for the Rural Para to Teacher Grant ends June 30, 2024.

The grants are made possible through federal stimulus funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP – ESSER).